The experience of moving between Apple devices is smooth and it is possible largely due to iOS. Apple keeps adding a bunch of features to it every year, in every new software update. They recently launched a new gaming subscription service called Apple Arcade. Apple Arcade is a premium gaming service which let users download and play exclusive games for a monthly fee of Rs. 99* per month. Apple has teamed-up with a bunch of game developers such as SEGA, LEGO, Konami to offer users more than a 100 games. Apple Arcade offers a completely ad-free gaming experience with no additional in-app purchases or costs to unlock additional content. Apple is currently offering a free one-month trial and we think you should try it out. We did, and this is what we have to say.
How to get started with Apple Arcade
Launch the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, but make sure your device is running iOS 13. Tap on Arcade icon on the bottom menu bar and tap on ‘Try it free’ to begin the one-month free trial. The plan auto-renews for Rs. 99 per month. Tap ‘Confirm’ to start the trial.
Apple Arcade also supports Apple’s Family Sharing feature which lets you share the subscription with up to 6 family members. You need to setup Family Sharing, which requires all the members to have the same credit/debit card associated with their Apple IDs. The subscription offers a bunch of family-friendly games across genres. We think these are some of the best family-friendly games.
Crossy Roads Castle
Crossy Road Castle is an endlessly spinning cooperative tower climb game. The game connects up to 4 players across devices. You can connect devices using Bluetooth, so you can play this game offline. The player collects coins while climbing towers. The one with the most coins win the game. The game generates new content in the form of maps and variations each time. The game receives regular updates which keeps adding new features and characters.
Scrappers
Scrappers is a 4-player multiplayer game where you clean up the streets of a city from the future. You take on the role of scrappers, a squad of robot garbage collectors. Use tactics such as stacking trash and pass it to your teammates to compete against time. You will also face attacks from rival teams, so make sure you plan and dispose the garbage while staying on schedule. Teamwork is essential to gain high scores, which in turn unlocks new characters and customisation options.
PAC-MAN Party Royale
PAC-MAN Party Royale is a mix of arcade retro-gaming with multiplayer experience. The game supports up to 4 players, and the last PAC-MAN standing wins the round. Players eat pellets to gain speed and they need to catch the super pellet to gain super powers. The game offers different modes and mazes that keeps you entertained.
Super Impossible Road
Super Impossible Road is a futuristic racing game where you break rules to win. The game allows up to 8-players across multiple devices. You race over galactic backdrops to knock opponent’s vehicles. You can jump off paths, bypass checkpoints and roll over competitors on the way to win the first place. The game also gives you the option of customizing vehicles with deadly weapons.
Secret Oops
Secret Oops is an innovative local multiplayer, augmented reality game. The game supports 4 players across different devices. You play a spy handler along with your teammates to make sure your spy isn’t detected by enemy forces. The game comes with 3 different worlds and 50 levels. You need to devise the perfect plan and execute it with other players to accomplish the missions.
Apple has also introduced controller support along with Apple Arcade. This feature lets you connect a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One controller to your Apple device. Before you begin, go to ‘Settings’ and turn on Bluetooth on your Apple Device.
Pairing a PlayStation 4 controller
Press and hold Power and Share buttons on the controller for a few seconds. Release the buttons once the controller LED starts blinking. Find the controller under the Bluetooth tab on your Apple device. Select the controller on your device to start paring.
Pairing an Xbox One controller
Press and hold Xbox and Share buttons for a few seconds. Release the buttons once the controller LED starts blinking. Find the controller under the Bluetooth tab on your Apple Device. Select the controller on your device to start paring.
A controller offers better game control and offers a console-like experience on your iPhone and iPad. There are a variety of games on Apple Arcade, from simple 2D ones to 3D open-world games. Most controller-supported games even run on Apple TV, giving you the ability to play games on a TV. Here are our favourite controller-supported games.
LEGO Brawls
LEGO Brawls is a light-hearted action game where you design and fight with a heroic character. The game offers a bunch of characters with unique bawling abilities and power-ups. You work with your team to hold the most flags in the game. The game offers a variety of fighting arenas which includes a castle and even a pirate ship. Make sure you collect the most points so you can upgrade your character.
Sonic Racing
Sonic Racing offers the ultimate multiplayer racing experience. You collect power-ups, set traps and even attack competitors to knock them off. You can choose one of 15 playable characters from the Sonic universe. Each character has unique advantages that bring special abilities to the team. The game offers more than 15 tracks, each with changing scenarios. Players can complete challenges to win more prizes and unlock special rewards.
Hot Lava
Hot Lava is an open-world adventure game where you run, jump and climb in the first-person mode across different lava worlds. The game offers different arenas such as schools, gyms, playgrounds, and basements. You can complete the challenges alone or play with up to 4 of your friends in the multi-player mode. Make sure you find the fastest router to complete the level and unlock new skills.
Oceanhorn 2
Oceanhorn 2 is an epic RPG game with more than 15 hours of gameplay. The game includes massive boss fights where the player uses different tactics to defeat the enemies. The game comes with a bunch of side quests that unlock special rewards and powers. Players need to collect powerful items, develop new weapons and explore the neighbouring kingdoms for unexplored treasures.
Skate City
Skate City is a street skating game that lets you try out different stunts and moves. The game offers a dynamic environment and weather that shifts unexpectedly. Players can try hundreds of tricks and combinations. You can skate through the city like a local and unlock different challenges. The game also lets you record your stunts and tricks with an in-built game recorder, so you can share it on YouTube and Instagram.
Apple Arcade syncs the game progress to all your Apple devices. This means you can start gaming on your iPhone and continue the game on an Apple TV or an iPad, where you left off. Apple promises to add new games to the service on a regular basis. The gaming service runs on most Apple devices which support iOS 13, which means it will even run on an older iPhone SE. Apple Arcade is suitable for every as it has a variety of games with no ads and no additional purchases to unlock content. To keep yourself updated with the latest tech, keep following us on www.reliancedigital.in
